76ers' Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons explain how to coexist: 'Kind of scary how good we can be'

CHICAGO – The division between the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid became literal on Friday, as NBA officials placed an additional podium between the two during All-Star media interviews.

Does that symbolize the dynamic between Simmons and Embiid? Or is that a manufactured issue created by the countless reporters who flooded each interview table?

“I think it’s BS,” Embiid said. "The last two years we’ve played together, it was not a problem.”

After trusting the process and toiling in the NBA Draft lottery for five consecutive seasons, the Sixers made two consecutive appearances in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Perhaps they could have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals last year had Kawhi Leonard’s fadeaway jumper not bounced four times before dropping into the net in the Toronto Raptors' decisive Game 7 win.

And this season? The Sixers (34-21) are ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference behind the Miami Heat (35-19), Boston Celtics (38-16), Raptors (40-15) and Milwaukee Bucks (46-8). They also experienced a recent four-game losing streak that included key losses to the Heat, Celtics and Bucks.

Naturally, plenty of the criticism has circled back to the two stars. They have not criticized each other, though.

“I love playing with Joel. I think he’s an amazing talent,” Simmons said. “I have a lot of respect for his game. I know he feels the same way about me. As long as we continue to strive and build the right way, then we’ll be fine.”

On the surface, some of these concerns seem unfounded. Simmons has averaged an East-leading five triple-doubles this season, while Embiid has posted a team-leading 30 double-doubles. Some in NBA circles, however, have echoed concerns about their long-term fit.

The reason? Simmons epitomizes today’s positionless NBA with his 6-foot-10, 240-pound frame and playmaking. Yet he remains unproven as a capable and willing shooter. Embiid has proven durable in the past five years and has dominated in an era of small-ball, with diving off of pick-and-rolls and strong rim protection. Yet Embiid lacks the mobility and outside shooting to become a so-called stretch 5.

“It takes time. Not everything is supposed to be perfect,” Simmons said. “Not everything should or would. But we’re two people trying to figure it out.”

Simmons and Embiid suggested the Sixers’ issues have less to do with them and more to do with external circumstances.

After Jimmy Butler declined their five-year, $190 million max contract offer, the Sixers dealt Butler to Miami in a sign-and-trade. They also lost proven veteran shooter J.J. Redick to New Orleans during free agency, which has put more pressure on Simmons to shoot and less room for Embiid to operate. And when accounting for Butler’s sign-and-trade, the NBA draft and last week’s trade deadline, the Sixers have a combined nine new players on their roster.

“This year, it’s all brand new, so our offense is struggling," Embiid said. "I think [Simmons] is going to be better after the All-Star break. But just the last two years what we have been able to do, I think he can work. It’s going to work.”

What would it take to make it work? The Sixers acquired Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III from Golden State for three second-round pick in hopes of improving their perimeter shooting. For better or worse, the Sixers will have to rely on Embiid and Simmons.

“There’s so many different things we haven’t tried. We have a lot of talent. It’s kind of scary with how good we can be,” Simmons said. “Just stay together as a team. We have a lot of talent. I believe in the guys.”